New State Laws in 2009

January 1, 2009 brought a number of new laws in Illinois. Below are summaries of those that may be of interest to you.

No Accident Report for Minor Damage
(HB5907) The property damage repair expense has been increased from $500 to $1,500 before a driver involved in a property damage accident is required to file a written accident report with the State.

School Bus Safety
(SB2182) A school bus driver must open the service door and driver’s window before crossing a railroad track.

More Protection Against Internet Scams
(HB3477) The Department of State Police has added an Internet Crimes Enforcement Unit, to investigate criminal offenses committed by use of the internet.

More Protection for Children
(SB2159) Felony penalties for aggravated battery to a child under 13 years of age, or to a severely or profoundly mentally retarded child have been increased.

More Protection for Elderly
(HB4506) Penalties for financial exploitation of an elderly person or person with a disability have been increased.

Obey Firefighters’ Orders
(HB5909) Resisting or obstruction a firefighter is now a criminal offense, but defense exists if the offender was attempting to rescue another person.

Firefighters Directing Traffic
(SB2488) A firefighter, acting in his or her official duties, may close a highway or lane, as necessary to protect the safety of persons or property.

No Drugs in Jail
(HB5082) Persons serving a sentence in a penal institution or in pre-trial detention in a county jail, found in possession of contraband must serve a consecutive sentence, to the sentence previously imposed, if convicted of possessing contraband.

All Metal Knuckles Prohibited
(HB2757) The sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, or carrying metal knuckles, regardless of composition, is prohibited.

Genetic Testing by Employers Prohibited
(SB2399) No employer, employment agency, labor organization or licensing agency may request or require a person to submit to a genetic test or provide genetic information as a condition of employment, pre-employment application, labor organization membership or licensure.

No Sex Offenders on Election Day
(HB2671) person, who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, is disqualified from serving as an election judge.